Son of a teacher. Upon the death of his parents, Malachy entered religious life. Ordained at age 25. Studied under Saint Malchus. Preacher and clerical reformer. Instituted celibacy regulations and other disciplines on the Irish clergy. Re-introduced the use of canonical hour prayers. Abbot at Bangor. Bishop of Connor, Ireland at age 30. Archbishop of Armagh, Ireland at age 35, the chosen successor of Saint Celsus of Armagh. Spiritual teacher of Blessed Christian O’Conarchy.

Malachy replaced the Celtic liturgy (the “Stowe” missal) with the Roman liturgy in an effort to bring uniformity and discipline to the clergy and those in religious life. A miracle worker and healer, he sometimes cured people instantly by laying his hands upon them. Friend of Saint Bernard of Clairvaux who helped him establish the Cistercians in Ireland, wrote a biography of him, and sat with him as he died.

One of Malachy’s great claims to popular fame was his gift of prophesy. While in Rome, Italy in 1139, Malachy received a vision showing him all the Popes from his day to the end of time. He wrote poetic descriptions of each of the pontiffs, presented the manuscript to Pope Innocent II – and it was forgotten until 1590. It has been in print – and hotly debated, both for authenticity and correctness – ever since. According to these prophecies, there is only one Popes remaining after Benedict XVI. See the quotes below.

Born

* 1094 at Armagh, Ireland

Died

* 2 November 1148 at Clairvaux Abbey of natural causes

Canonized

* 6 July 1190 by Pope Clement III
* first papal canonization of an Irish saint